Acute and Chronic Bronchitis

Although questions persist on the precise role of infection in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and on the overall benefit of antibiotic therapy of acute episodes, antibiotic therapy is considered an important part of the management of patients. It has to obey precise rules and obviously must be associated with preventive measures that can help to reduce both frequency and severity of acute exacerbations. The modifications of the susceptibility pattern to antibiotics of the two main bacteria involved deserve special attention to control the extension of the problem and define new therapeutic strategies. At present the currently recommended regimens are still valuable.